An irrigation proposal should begin with the existing system and the plants it serves. Replacing a controller, repairing a valve, and redesigning an entire garden system are different scopes.
Start with a system assessment
Ask the provider to identify leaks, damaged components, pressure concerns, uneven coverage, and planting areas with different water needs. Keep the diagnosis separate from the proposed repair or replacement so you can understand why each item is included.
Make the proposal complete
Look for a clear description of zones, valves, piping, emitters or heads, controls, trenching, surface restoration, testing, and handover. Ask which existing parts will remain and what assumptions have been made about their condition.
Check site and utility conditions
Distance, access, roots, paving, and the condition of existing pipework affect installation. Confirm any backflow, connection, and inspection requirements with the water supplier and responsible jurisdiction rather than assuming every property uses the same detail.
Match delivery to the planting
Drip can suit planted beds; other areas may need a different approach. Group plants with compatible water needs and avoid treating a controller upgrade as a substitute for fixing leaks or poor layout. EPA WaterSense guidance explains labeled controllers and the importance of proper setup.
Check incentives before work
Use the water-provider finder to check current programs, equipment eligibility, funding, and required approval timing. Do not deduct an incentive from your budget until the provider confirms it applies.
Plan the handover
Ask for a zone map, controller instructions, the initial schedule, and guidance for adjusting it as weather and planting change. Confirm who will make follow-up adjustments and whether they are included.
Compare the useful options
A targeted repair may make sense when the rest of the system is sound. A broader redesign may be appropriate where planting or coverage has changed. Ask the contractor to explain both the immediate work and any known limitations left behind.
Before accepting a proposal
Verify the license and classification for the proposed work with the California Contractors State License Board. Ask for current insurance information and a written description of responsibilities.
Discuss your irrigation
Bring photographs, a list of priorities, and any drawings you already have to a conversation with our team. Request a consultation to discuss your property and next steps.
Inventory what can stay
A useful assessment identifies the controller, valves, zones, pressure conditions, and the areas each zone serves. Some systems need a focused repair; others have a layout that no longer matches the planting. Distinguish working components that can remain from items that need replacement, and ask how the proposed work addresses the symptoms you have observed.
Understand why zones change the scope
Plants with different water needs or exposures may benefit from separate control. New beds, established trees, and lawn should not automatically share one schedule. Changes to zoning can involve valves, pipe routes, wiring, and controller capacity, not just new emitters. Ask the proposal to show how the final arrangement will be operated.
Include setup and follow-through
Clarify who programs the controller, records the zones, and explains seasonal adjustments. A new controller cannot correct a leak or an unsuitable layout by itself. Keep baseline water-use records and inspect the garden after changes so future adjustments are based on actual conditions. Confirm any rebate eligibility and approval timing with your water provider before work begins.
